Hi guys, it’s been a while! Like many of us, 2020 has driven me into a state of a-motivation and laziness. However, I am determined to snap out of it! So, here it goes, my first blog posts in what it seems like years. I decided to start off with what I know best and that’s skincare! As we’re all trying to do our best to stay home, I thought it was no better time to try an at home facial.
I’d like to also point out that although the following routine works for me, it may not work for you. Everyone’s skincare needs are different. I’ve gone through a whirlwind of a skin journey the last 12 months and have finally found a regime that keeps my skin happy. Being so obsessed with skincare, I’m one of those people who will research, compare reviews and websites before purchasing or using a product. I’ve also gone through a fair share of products from press gifting and product hoarding and I truly believe that simple (and effective) really is best.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A FACIAL?
The regularity of facials is really dependant on your skin type. I like to monitor my skin and see what it requires on a weekly basis. Hydration? Detoxing? Brightening? I always stock a range of masks to tackle many skin concerns and my skin usually tells me which one to go with! Given the nature of my hobby, trying out multiple skin products stresses out my skin. However, I have also become attuned to knowing what it needs and when. My skin is also great at telling me what it thinks of my diet. I find that the best way to maintain my glow is making sure I am hydrated and consuming a range of foods that are high in anti-oxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and H2O.
AT HOME FACIAL MASSAGE TECHNIQUES
Just like a professional facial, you can include massage as part of your at-home skin treatment. It can be done daily or once a week during your allocated ‘pamper’ sesh. Better yet, you don’t need any special devices (although I will mention some favourites down below!).
Cleansing massage
While cleansing, spend a little extra time working in the product. This is especially beneficial when using a hydrating, cream cleanser like the Edible Beauty No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk or INIKA Organic Phytofuse Renew Camellia Oil Cleanser (this one already includes a silicone brush head to gently massage the skin – bonus!). I give myself a 5 minute face massage while cleansing, which really helps to wake and de-puff my face.
If you’re concerned with skin puffiness, you may need to reassess your diet. Puffy skin around your face can be caused by a high intake of salt or alcohol. I definitely notice this when I’ve had a few glasses of wine the night before! Toxins and salt store themselves in your lymph nodes which can cause your face or your body to swell, so it’s important to re-hydrate yourself to flush everything out.
To depuff your face, massage along the lymph nodes on the jaw, on either side of the neck (where your glands are) and underneath your ears. Activate them by massaging gently in a pumping motion for around 30 seconds. Continue with circling motions, pushing the lymph nodes upwards and outwards repetitively. You’ll definitely feel and see the results after a few minutes! For an even quicker release, massage with an ice cube wrapped in soft material. Otherwise, try the Synth Lab Intl. Chill!, an incredible cryo-facial treatment to keep in your freezer.
Massage devices
In addition, if you’re loving facial massage techniques, invest in a Gua Sha to sculpt your face. I’m using the Nudie Glow Beauty Roller and Rose Quartz Gua Sha set. Another great tool is the Dainty Face Germanium Beauty Roller which I love to keep near the couch and massage my face and neck while I watch TV! For those who are a little boojee with their skincare products, check out the Sochy Skin 3-in-1 LED light treatment which has three modes to tackle pigmentation, acne and stimulate collagen.
MY ULTIMATE AT HOME FACIAL
While my skincare routine definitely changes a lot, I’ve included some of my current favourite products below. I’d also like to note that this post is not sponsored by anyone and was written based on my own experience. However, most of these products were sent to me as a gift.
Now that we got that out of the way, here are my at home facial steps:
Cleanse
Before I cleanse, I always take off my makeup. I like to use a microfibre towel like the Press Beauty Swipies or the Bisous Cloth. I like to cleanse with a cream, such as the ones mentioned further above. If my skin is feeling particularly congested, I go in with a scrub or gel such as Edible Beauty & Desert Lime Flawless Micro-Exfoliant or Alya Skin Foaming Micellar Cleanser.
Tone
After cleansing, I tone the skin. I go in with either Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hydrating Toner Mist for a boost of witch hazel and Hyaluronic Acid or the Edible Beauty No.2 Citrus Rhapsody Toner Mist for a boost of antioxidants. Whilst often forgotten, toning is an important step to treat pores, eliminate residual oils and treat surface impurities.
Deep Cleansing Mask
The best way to deep cleanse and exfoliate your skin is with a clay base mask. I have many on rotation but my two go-to’s have to be the 47 Skin Blue Clay Mask or the Alya Skin Pink Clay Mask. Both have key ingredients to detoxify, brighten, tighten, extract pollutants and nasties from your skin. After these, my skin is left looking super glowy and I can really notice a difference!
Hydrating mask
To give my skin a good boost of moisture, I like to finish off with a hydrating mask. Do this after your detox mask and before you apply your nightly creams. I’ve been loving the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask or the Frank Body Brightening Vitamin C Mask for a gorgeous, glowing base before makeup application.
Eye Cream
If you don’t use an eye cream, this might change your mind. The skin around your eye is one of the thinnest and most sensitive on your entire body. This means its more prone to lines and wrinkles. The best way to stop this is to ensure it’s getting enough hydration and antioxidants. This is where eye creams come in. I’ve been loving the Naturally Serious Zero Baggage Anti-Dark Circle Eye Cream which is great at brightening and firming the skin around the eye area. In addition, the Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Eye Cream is filled with ultra-hydrating properties which work great to freshen up the eye area.
Serum
Serums are an amazing way to address your unique skin concerns as they penetrate deep into your skin. They have a number of great benefits from clearing blemishes to smoothing wrinkles and deliver concentrated, active ingredients deep into your skin. The best ingredients to look out for are: a high concentration of anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and hydrators. Currently, I’m reaching for the Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum for its high Vit C concentration and the Inika Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Serum for an anti-oxidant boost.
Moisturise
To lock in moisture, I love to use a deep hydrating cream on top of my serum. Recently I’ve been reaching for the Inika Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Night Cream or the Avene A-Oxitive Smoothing Water-Cream for daytime.
And there you go, my current at home facial routine! What do you think?
If you liked this post, check out Clean Beauty: Should you make the switch?
Natalia x
